dossier

Slovenian Alps Adventure

SLOVENIAN ALPS ADVENTURE  |  WHERE YOU STAY

Hotel Miklic  ****
Kranjska Gora, Days 1+2

The Alpine town of Kranjska Gora lies in the heart of the lush valley of Zgornjesavska. Surrounded by steep wooded mountains, jagged limestone peaks and gushing waterfalls this is a walkers’ paradise. The Hotel Miklic is just a 5 minute walk from the centre of Kranjska Gora and sits in the shadow of the towering peak of Vitranc mountain. It has 14 traditionally decorated bedrooms all with satellite TV, minibar and direct dial telephone.

Further details on the hotel website.

Saturday  Arrive in Slovenia

We meet you at Ljubljana airport and take you to Kranjska Gora (60 mins) in time for dinner .

Sunday  Kranjska Gora circular walk  12km/7mi/3.5hr or 22km/13mi/6hr

Gently ascending through dense chestnut forests you arrive at a high plateau with views extending right across the Italian and Austrian Alps - truly breathtaking. After lunch in the Martuljek gorge, it’s a lovely stroll through meadows dotted with orchids, narcissi and blue gentian as you head back down to Kranjska Gora at the entrance to the Triglav National Park.

Monday Kranjska Gora to Bovec  12km/7mi/4hr

Today starts with a breathtaking drive up the Vrsic Pass (1611m) from where your path follows the turquoise crystalline Soca River as it cascades through limestone gorges - look out for Trenta brown butterflies. After lunch the Trenta Mountain range - comprising the towering peaks of Javorscek, Svinjak and Romsom - frames the horizon as you head across to the Jelincic Refuge for a refreshing drink.

Hotel Mangart ***
Bovec, Days 3+4

Nestled in the beautiful Bovec basin just on the outskirts of the city, the Mangart Hotel welcomes you with its 34 rooms and 2 deluxe rooms all equipped with satellite TV, direct dial telephone, wireless internet access, mini fridge and private bathroom/shower. The hotel offers wonderful views of the Julian Alps.

Further details on the hotel website.

Tuesday  At Bovec  10km/6mi/3hr or 13km/8mi/4hr

The mountain range of Bovec was fiercely fought over in WW1 and today’s route follows part of the Walk of Peace dating back to 1920’s. You climb through bluebells and primula auricola past dramatic Koritnica Gorge to Kluze fortress built into the mountain above a twisted ravine. Panoramic picnic spot. Returning there’s time to relax on the alpine terrace - amazing views - of your hotel before dinner at a local restaurant.

Wednesday  Bovec to Kobarid  20km/12mi/6hr

Crossing first a carpet of brightly colored wild flowers underneath the Kanin mountain range you reach the mighty 106m drop Boka waterfall. It’s then alongside the Soca River to Trnovo - stunning gorge and crystal clear waters. Then an ancient Napolionic path leads into Kobarid and to one of the friendliest, family-run hotels we’ve ever stumbled upon. The restaurant here is a real gem serving local specialities such as trout and fresh water crayfish, as well as mushrooms and truffles in season.

Hotel Hvala  ****
Kobarid, Days 5+6

The Hotel Hvala (meaning Thank you in Slovenian!) is a family run hotel that lies in the centre of the small town of Kobarid, located in the Soca River Valley. The hotel is an Alpine style building with carved wooden balconies looking out over the main square and village church. The rooms are spacious and furnished in light colours. They all have satellite televison and direct dial telephones.

Further details on the hotel website.

Thursday  At Kobarid  7km/4mi/3hr (optional)

Hard to imagine this little town witnessed the largest battle in history that inspired Hemmingway’s “A Farewell to Arms”. There’s a historical trail past the old Austro-Hungarian defences and Italian war memorial offering breathtaking valley views.

Friday  Kobarid to Bohinj  8km/5mi/2hr or 11km/7mi/4hr

The easy option today is a panoramic railway journey - views as far as the Gulf of Venice - to Bohinj to follow a circular path around the lake. Or you can take the high mountain path* to Mt Globoko for a panoramic picnic overlooking Lake Bohinj shimmering below.

*Please note this walk may change in early season if snow is blocking the paths.

Hotel Jezero  ****
Bohinj, Days 7+8

This 4* hotel is situated 50m from the waters edge of beautiful Lake Bohinj. the hotel has been extended and restored and now has 63 bedrooms and 3 suites. All bedrooms have direct dial telephone, satellite television, and a minibar. (Breakaway guests in the newer part of the hotel added in 2003). All rooms have safes and balconies with either Lake or Mountain views too!

Further details on the hotel website.

Saturday  At Bohinj 

Maybe hire a rowing boat or swim in its clear azure waters. For the more energetic, there’s a great hike up narrow Mostnica Gorge over Devil’s Bridge (only the virtuous can pass, the bridge can sense bad intentions!) to the Mostnica Waterfall. Time for a dip in the hotel’s indoor pool before your final dinner .

Sunday  Return home

We take you to Ljubljana airport (1hr) for flights home, or extra nights in the city.

WALKING DETAILS

You follow mountain paths and forest trails, sometimes at altitude. Walkers should be confident and used to uneven terrain. Due to the frequent use of suspension bridges, this holiday is unsuitable for vertigo sufferers. Walking boots are essential.

For extra nights we recommend Bohinj or Ljubljana.